Paul Insists Views 'Mainstream,' He's Electable

Rep. Ron Paul insists that his views are “pretty mainstream” and points to that fact that Texas voters have sent him to Congress 12 times as evidence of his electability.

The Republican presidential candidate, appearing on CNN’s “State of the Union” today, also chafed at rival Newt Gingrich’s comment that Paul labors under a “systemic avoidance of reality.”

“Well that is a gross distortion, and you can spend a long time trying to dispute what he is saying,” Paul told host Candy Crowley of Gingrich’s criticism. “Why are the rallies going so well for me? Why are the crowds bigger and bigger?”

Paul also defended his views, particularly on withdrawing from Afghanistan and the Federal Reserve. His positions appeal to independents and Democrats, as well as Republicans, he said.

“I think the people who are attacking me now are the ones who can’t defend their records,” Paul said.

Paul also rejected rivals’ accusations that he can’t be elected. Citing his re-election record in Texas, he insisted: “I’ve been pretty electable.”

And he disputed the findings in the final Des Moines Register poll before the caucuses that 29 percent of 29 percent of likely caucus-goers find him unelectable.

Rep. Ron Paul insists that his views are pretty mainstream and points to that fact that Texas voters have sent him to Congress 12 times as evidence of his electability.
The Republican presidential candidate, appearing on CNN s State of the Union today, also chafed at...